My mother passed away at the age of 99 in 2025.  During her almost century of life she never flew on an airplane.  My father passed away in 2010 at the age of 88.  He hadn't been on a plane since 1946.  

My parents figured if you couldn’t comfortably drive a car there in less than a half day, your destination wasn’t worth going to.   

I flew for the first time when I was 24.  I flew from New York to Los Angeles.  And I never looked back.  

Since 1990 I have been traveling with a camera and a notebook, chronicling my travels in three-ring binders filled with photos, itineraries, factoids and observations.  In 2023, having run out of places to put additional binders, I made my first travel website.  

Since retirement, I’ve enjoyed the freedom to travel year-round.  When I’m not traveling, I’m gardening (which I can’t do year-round).  

Everyone needs a hobby and good luggage.   Photographs are the best souvenirs.   And dirt under your nails can’t be bought.

Dan Long is a photographer living in the Quiet Corner of Connecticut.  He travels with his wife, and often with his sons and daughter-in-law.  He gardens alone.